Peter Richardson, 55, from Delacombe, was sentenced in Ballarat Magistrates Court to three months in prison yesterday, with 14 days to be served immediately and the remainder suspended for six months.

Defence barrister Ruth Champion urged the court not to jail her client, claiming there was a clear link between Richardson’s offending and his ability to communicate. “He’s a very vulnerable member of the community and the victim of bullying,” she said.

When sentencing, magistrate Kay Robertson said she had known Richardson for five years from his court appearances. “I know you have had a very difficult time, particularly because you are deaf and communication with neighbours and other people is very difficult,” Ms Robertson said.

“I know some people provoke you on purpose, but I do not believe that was the situation with this case.”

During a plea hearing last November, the court heard Richardson had gone to a unit in Redan about midnight on Australia Day 2011, but became agitated when the residents asked him to leave.

Richardson head butted one of the men, fled the scene and returned five minutes later with a large steel pole.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Michelle Burnett said he speared the pole through a security door and hit a different man in the head.

Two men tried to overpower him, but he smashed the windows and dented panels on one of the victims’ cars.

Richardson pleaded guilty to recklessly causing injury, unlawful assault, intentionally damaging property and entering a private place without a lawful excuse.